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5 Jan 2018

I’m not afraid of death - Governor Ortom Reacts To Benue Massacre

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said he is not bothered by threats to his life by those who do not want the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in the state.

Governor Ortom stated this on Friday at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, during a courtesy call on him by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Makurdi branch.

The Governor affirmed that, “if it is not the will of God, no man has the right to take my life or stop the ongoing implementation of the ranching law of the state.”

He told Benue people to remain steadfast till impunity is defeated in Nigeria, saying that, “no sacrifice is too big in the struggle to end the genocide being perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in parts of Benue State.

“It is time Benue sons and daughters put away political differences and unite to speak with one voice against invasion and occupation of our land, which has left many people dead and property worth billions destroyed.”

He said the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law has come to stay and no amount of intimidation could make the state stop implementing of the legislation.

The Governor expressed hopes that President Buhari would take further steps to stop the killing of innocent people and arrest those behind the genocide especially leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore who had threatened to resist the law.

Governor Ortom while appreciating the NBA for the consolatory visit said he was happy that he had not done the wrong thing by enacting a law that seeks to protect his people, stressing that it was a global best practice and that he and President Muhammadu Buhari also practice ranching.

Earlier, Chairman NBA Makurdi branch, Mr. Emmanuel Agbakor, said the gruesome killings violated the right to life of Benue citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

He condemned the, “total lack of concern exhibited by the President regarding the killings in Benue State,” stressing that the massacre was worse than the flood incidence which caught the attention of the federal government.